In a nutshell The aim of this study was to assess the use of colonoscopic ultrasound in the evaluation of residual disease and local lymph nodes after polypectomy (removal of polyps). The results show that high-frequency ultrasound is beneficial for the assessment of colorectal malignant (cancerous) polyps (abnormal tissue growth). Some background...
Read MoreConfined or spread disease-Confined only to the colon, rectum or appendix Posts on Medivizor
Nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors
In a nutshell This article outlines current guidelines regarding nutrition and physical activity for cancer survivors. Some background A cancer survivor is anyone diagnosed with cancer (cured or currently undergoing treatment). Environmental and dietary factors play a major role in cancer development. Adequate nutrition and regular physical...
Read MoreTreating recurrent rectal caner that invades the pelvic area: major surgical options
In a nutshell This article reviewed several clinical studies where radical surgical procedures have been used to treat rectal cancer that has invaded the area of the pelvis. Some background The sacrum bone is the lowest part of the spine which sits between the hip bones. It is made up of 5 vertebrae which are separate bones during...
Read MoreOperative versus non-operative treatment for recurrent rectal cancer: impact on long-term survival
In a nutshell The present paper compares long-term survival rates of surgery versus non-operative treatments in patients with recurrent rectal cancer (RRC). Some background Rectal cancer is cancer in the final section of the large intestine, or rectum. Surgery to remove the cancer is the first choice of treatment, but chemotherapy with or...
Read MoreEvaluating the efficacy of intraoperative radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer
In a nutshell The present review evaluates the results and complications of intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced (stage III) and recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC). Some background Locally advanced CRC means that the cancer has spread beyond (invaded) the lining of the large intestine...
Read MoreTowards guidelines to prevent colorectal cancer recurrence
This article presents results of recent studies concerning the interplay between the body's chemistry and behavioral factors that influence colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence. Recent advances in CRC treatment have produced new and promising biological treatments. However, tumors sometimes have unique features that render many of these therapies...
Read MoreThe risk of recurrent colorectal cancers in Lynch syndrome patients
In a nutshell This study aimed to determine the risk of developing a second colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with Lynch syndrome previously treated with surgical resection of a CRC tumor. The main finding was that patients treated with a partial resection were at a higher risk of a second cancer than those treated with a total resection of...
Read MoreCalcium and magnesium infusions for the treatment of Oxaliplatin-related neuropathy
In a nutshell This article evaluates the use of Calcium and magnesium (Ca/Mg) infusions for the prevention of Oxaliplatin-related neurological side effects in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The main findings were that Ca/Mg helps preventing neuro-toxic side effects of Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Some background...
Read MoreTreating tumors of the appendix to reduce the risk of spread to the abdominal cavity
In a nutshell The present study classified tumors of the appendix and reviewed treatments that aim to prevent cancer spread to the abdominal cavity. Some background Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition caused by the production of too much mucin (a protein that is secreted in mucus). PMP affects women more than men and symptoms...
Read MoreHow soon after surgery for colorectal cancer should chemotherapy be started?
In a nutshell The present study evaluated the association between time until initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy and survival in colorectal cancer patients. The main findings were that a shorter time until adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival rates in patients with resected colorectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancers that are within...
Read MoreComparison between laparoscopic and open surgery for colon cancer
In a nutshell The present study compares two surgical techniques for the treatment of colon cancer: Open Colectomy (OC) and Laparoscopic Assisted Colectomy (LAC). They found that LAC may be preferred to OC for removal of colon cancer. Some background The first treatment of choice for colon cancer which is localized to the colonic...
Read MoreIsolated cancer cells in lymph nodes increase the risk of the cancer re-occurring after surgery: A method to detect these isolated cells
Colorectal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the rectum, colon (the large intestine) and it can also affect the appendix. It affects both men and women. Patients who are diagnosed with stage 1 and 2 colorectal cancer (cancers affecting the lining of the intestines – stage 1, and the muscle wall – stage 2) are generally only...
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